Pass Tops Solario Contenders

The unbeaten Raven's Pass heads a field of 10 declared for the Iveco Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.

John Gosden's colt has won both his races in good style and is one of three youngsters defending a 100% record at the Esher track.

Bryan Smart runs Chesham Stakes victor Maze, while Brian Meehan saddles the once-raced City Leader and Ernie Owl.

Aidan O'Brien's maiden Belgrave Square is the sole Irish challenger.

Newmarket trainer George Margarson hopes there is enough give in the ground for Dry Speedfit.

'He's in real good form and was only beaten four and a half lengths in a Group Two here at Newmarket,' said Margarson.

'That was a good run on ground that was a bit too quick for him and that would be my only concern on Saturday.

'With the 48-hour declarations I have had to declare him with the possibility of a shower, which would help his cause. He does want a bit of juice in the ground.

'They are calling it good at the moment and if it stays like that, there would be no jar in it.

'He's a proper galloper and he's been working out of his skin.

'He's done some solid work with older horses and he only has to improve a couple of lengths to take a hand in the race.

'He's in the big sales race at Doncaster over his ideal trip of six and a half furlongs and with 8st 6lb on September 12.

'This would fall in OK, it wouldn't come too soon afterwards for him, but what worries me that if I ran him in fast ground I wouldn't want to jar him up and then struggle to get him ready for that.

'I will walk the course but if they changed the ground to good to firm, firm in places I would take him out automatically.

'But if the ground stays as it is, and they water to maintain, then he'll be there.'

Completing the line-up are Gaspar Van Wittel, Lindoro, Pegasus Again and Yem Kinn.

(C) PA Sport